IRRI in Kenya
In 1907, rice became Kenya's third most important crop, after wheat and maize. Due to the change in Kenyans' eating habits, particularly in urban areas, the country's annual rice consumption is increasing by over 12%. With a projected population growth rate of 2.7% annually, the estimated annual national need can reach 1,290,000 tonnes by 2030.
IRRI and Kenya work together to improve farmers’ income and consumers’ food and nutrition security through sustainable rice production, marketing, and value addition. In 2012, IRRI started its research activities in the country after signing an agreement with the Agricultural Livestock and Research Organisation (KALRO). These activities build on the IRRI East and Southern Africa regional program initiatives, which started in 2006. To intensify research and development of rice agri-food systems and address issues brought about by climate change and dwindling resources, IRRI established its regional office for Africa in Nairobi.
Key achievements in Kenya
Development of improved rice varieties
Through programs like the Stress Tolerant Rice for Africa and South Asia (STRASA) and the Accelerated Genetic Gain in Rice (AGGRi) Alliance, and with partners like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, IRRI develops new breeding products for lowland rice ecologies and their major market segments. IRRI also characterizes important rice pathogens and their interaction with rice lines in Kenya to provide farmers with disease management advice.
Strengthening stakeholders
Kenya and IRRI work together to establish and strengthen partnerships with government institutions, non-government organizations, CGIAR centers, donors, and development agencies. These partnerships are expected to boost awareness of modern technologies and update local rice production practices in rainfed and irrigated lowland ecologies.
Improving the capacity of the rice sector
Through the national program, IRRI continues to conduct participatory research to evaluate new varieties and modern production technologies to boost productivity and enhance the income of rice farmers in irrigated and rainfed ecosystems.
Collaboration with government institutions and academia
IRRI collaborates with the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock Fisheries and Co-Operatives, Kenya Agricultural Livestock and Research Organization (KALRO), National Irrigation Authority (NIA), University of Nairobi (UoN), and University of Eldoret (UoE) to implement in-country rice research and development initiatives.
